Third person charged in Pullen case – not released

THIS afternoon Lilli-Jane Sales a 22 year old from Singleton, appeared in Muswellbrook Local Court via audio visual link (AVL) on a charge of accessory after the fact to murder in relation to the death of Ian Pullen a New Zealand firefighter in September 2018 in Singleton.

Ms Sales, who is 29 weeks pregnant, was initially granted bail, however she was unable to comply with bail conditions and remains in custody.

Magistrate Donnelly said while the charge is serious and a conviction would likely carry a gaol term, Ms Sales had no previous criminal history, no history of violence and since her case could not be heard until after the murder trial, the time she may spend in custody before her case could be heard was described as potentially “extraordinary”.   

When Magistrate Donnelly initially granted bail he imposed several restrictions on bail, including reporting to police daily, a curfew except for medical appointments and no contact with witnesses in the Crown’s case into the death of Mr Pullen, including the father of her unborn child.

Mark Diggins, solicitor for Ms Sales said he didn’t believe the father of Ms Sales’ child “is involved with this matter in anyway – but he may be a witness” to Ms Sales’ charge of accessory to murder.

Despite initially being granted bail, Ms Sales was unable to live at the address she provided to the court and will remain in custody unless a variation to the bail conditions is granted by the court.  

The Prosecution strenuously opposed the bail stating that Ms Sales had no fixed abode and were concerned she may attempt to coerce witnesses.

Ms Sales’ solicitor, had argued Ms Sales could reside with her grandmother under strict bail conditions, had no criminal history and intended to plead not guilty to the charge.

The prosecution alleged she had offered a high level of assistance to an alleged murder (Joshua Knight), proactively covered up evidence and had attempted to coerce others to conceal evidence.

The defence argued the charge was based on Ms Sales assisting someone with the car, which she denies; she also denies being in the car at the time the alleged murder occurred.

The matter is due to go before the Singleton court on January 28.

Related stories:

• Third person charged in relation to Ian Pullen’s murder – November 23, 2020
• Ian Pullen Death: Nicole Mason Faces Court – October 20, 2020
• Woman Arrested Pullen Death: Lowest Human Behaviour – October 20, 2020
• Man Charged With Ian Pullen Murder – October 14, 2020
• Reward For Information on Ian Pullen Death – September 28, 2020